Help with new purchase national tropical or fleetwood revolution ?

[BBFORFUN]

Hi folks we are new to forum, just in process of purchasing Class A Diesel ,
have found 2003 Fleetwood Revolution, Cummins 350, and 2005 National Tropical Cat 350, can purchase about the same price ???
Any help or comments would be appreciated

[SarahW]

Howdy and welcome to the forum! Both are great coaches; I'm a Fleetwood owner so a little biased. Which floor plan works best for you?

[BBFORFUN]

Well thanks Sara & Hubby
Yes maybe just that simple just let Beverly decide

Brian

[Jestme13]

hi brian,
a big point to keep in mind is fleetwood is still in business, national is not!
parts and service are much more available. have you wondered why the national is the same price as a coach 3 yrs older. work the dealer on the fleetwood price believe me he wont let a serious player walk. class As arent selling these days.
good luck

[bbeane]

All things being equal (DW is happy) I would go with the newer one. While Fleetwood is still around with the exception of maybe a little tech support they won't be much help for anything else. Make sure you get ALL of the factory manuals that came with the coach. As O/P said if you don't have a trade in work on the dealer price wise.

[ajm12]

The thing to look at is what floor plan works for you guys. If the DW is happy you will be too!!!!

[Jack1234]

Just my $0.02 ....

1) Carefully inspecting and reviewing the Service & Repair records for each unit.

2) Which has the better chassis, drivetrain, suspension (IFS?), overall construction & build quality? How do they both DRIVE?

3) What about tires, batteries, inverter, solar panels, generator hrs & service records?

4) What about the paint ( is the clear coat peeling or checking), how's the roof, how about under carriage rust?

5) Are the CCC & GCWR's comparable and suitable for your needs?

6) How about updated TV's, satellite system, surround sound, coax cable runs?

7) Have you or will you have all the systems checked - oil & transmission analysis, AC, Furnace, Fridge ( are either Norcolds?)...how about an overall professional inspection?

In other words, there is a lot to consider and many many things to inspect if you want to get the best possible deal. It is, in my opinion, worth taking the time to educate yourself....it is very expensive to buy a Class A and find you want to trade it 12mo. down the road....try to buy your last coach first!

If this is too much trouble or hassle, just buy the one with the color your wife thinks is pretty.

[Gary RVRoamer]

In my opinion - and per their original price tags - the Revolution was and remains a superior coach. That doesn't make the Tropical bad, though, so if you like that one better, choose it.

The Revolution is very nearly an American Coach - built on the same assembly line, with many of the same luxury-class features, yet not given the American brand name. The Tropical was National RVs entry level diesel pusher and not intended to compete in the same class as the Revolution.

And you can still get factory parts and service for a Revolution, should it ever become necessary.

[henderson]

Originally Posted by Jack1234

Just my $0.02 ....

1) Carefully inspecting and reviewing the Service & Repair records for each unit.

2) Which has the better chassis, drivetrain, suspension (IFS?), overall construction & build quality? How do they both DRIVE?

3) What about tires, batteries, inverter, solar panels, generator hrs & service records?

4) What about the paint ( is the clear coat peeling or checking), how's the roof, how about under carriage rust?

5) Are the CCC & GCWR's comparable and suitable for your needs?

6) How about updated TV's, satellite system, surround sound, coax cable runs?

7) Have you or will you have all the systems checked - oil & transmission analysis, AC, Furnace, Fridge ( are either Norcolds?)...how about an overall professional inspection?

In other words, there is a lot to consider and many many things to inspect if you want to get the best possible deal. It is, in my opinion, worth taking the time to educate yourself....it is very expensive to buy a Class A and find you want to trade it 12mo. down the road....try to buy your last coach first!

If this is too much trouble or hassle, just buy the one with the color your wife thinks is pretty.

Good answer

[BBFORFUN]

To update and thanks to all who replied.
Have made the decision , purchased the Fleetwood Revolution 40c
worked out well for everyone i personally preferr the Cummins Engine
Beverly agrees with Garry about quality and liked the general condition etc.
One of the big deciding factors was that it was a private sale from a couple who had health issues and had to sell , they had kept immaculate records of service and
really where in love with their coach !!

Again Thanks to ALL who replied.

B & B

[SarahW]

Congrats! Now we need pics!